My checkbook is so out of balance that there's no going back for it! How can I get it balanced again?

Question

I've been SO BAD at balancing it for SO LONG now that there's no way I can start over. Please (be nice, OK?) give some advice on how to agree with the bank AND any helpful (NICE!) tips on how to not do this again!!!!

Answer 1

First, contact your financial institution. If you can, don't use or write any checks for about 14 days and let everything clear up to that point. Your financial institution is normally very helpful in these cases and will keep an eye on your account with you to make sure you have an opportunity to get the money in there if something is going to bounce, but you may only have the a.m. to cover that check. Once you've determined what your new balance is after everything has cleared, start by keeping an eye on your account every few days at first, and then every week may be helpful for you. Sounds like you get overwhelmed when you have to wait a month to do it. Your financial institution can give you a print out every other day, or week and/or have an automated system that you can call and check your balances 24/7, if you wish. Once you get yourself straightened around, it will be easier for you to keep on top of it. The most important thing is to let the financial institution know right up front that you haven't been balancing it and you need help because you are completely lost. Most institutions will work with you and can help you get back into the swing of things quickly. This is normally a free service, if you are requesting their help. If it's not, I'd get this account rectified and find another bank or credit union that is more user friendly.

Answer 2

If you have neglected balancing your checkbook for over 3 months you are either rich, or have been lucky to not bounce a check. I say this because most people live too much paycheck-to-paycheck. Call your bank to see if they offer online banking. You don't have to use it to pay bills, but it does offer easy and quick info on what checks have cleared, and when. My bank allows me to see the checks on line, so if I forget to write something down it is easy to find. And, you can often go back several months to look at past statements.

You are going to have to accept what the bank says your balance is. After that don't forget to subtract bank charges (for new checks, etc.), or to add in interest paid to you.

Answer 3

That happened to me one time. I checked off everything I knew had cleared, and stopped by the bank with my last few statements & my checkbook. I had to leave my checkbook with them for a few days, but they straightened it all out (no charge) and basically started me out clean. (Gave me new register with only the checks that had not cleared & the current balance on it). It was a little embarassing, but I'm glad I did it, and it made me much more cautious.

good luck!

Answer 4

Make a decision to keep it accurate from now on. Take the last statement or the next statement, and mark off the items in your checkbook that are noted in the statement. Then next month start to reconcile it every month, the same day that the statement arrives in the mail. If you wait after the statement arrives, it only adds more work for you.

Answer 5

I've did that once. Don't use it for an entire month when your sure all outstanding checks are in. Pay bills by money order until that time. Learn to balance on a monthly basis.

Answer 6

Get over to your bank. They will be able to give you accurate balances for your accounts. This way you can start over with your known balances and then start to keep track of it that way. (Stay on top of it this time!!! :D )

Good luck

Answer 7

I just look at my account online periodically. Doesn't that help much?

Answer 8

take it to your bank, they will help you